Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. We are aware that the whole accommodation situation at the moment is a complete and utter disaster. Unfortunately, that is also the case for students. I commend the UCD students' union on the survey it did over a two-year period, which was published a fortnight ago. It contained very interesting findings but they were also very difficult findings. It shows that for a lot of people who may have had access to third level education who previously had been locked out, are now being locked out as a result of the housing crisis. The survey showed that 71% of students had difficulties or extreme difficulties in meeting their monthly housing-related costs. The same percentage had difficulties in actually finding the accommodation. People were paying €750 to €900 per month. This is completely and utterly unsustainable.

I hear what the Minister is saying about the shovel-ready projects that are being progressed. How many of them with planning permission are still there that need to be progressed?

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